Hebrews 9:22–28

In his classic devotional book Morning and Evening, Charles Spurgeon wrote: “[Waiting] is one of the postures which a Christian soldier learns not without years of teaching. Marching and quick-marching are much easier to God’s warriors than standing still. . . . But wait in faith. Express your unstaggering confidence in him; for unfaithful, untrusting waiting is but an insult to the Lord. Believe that if he keep you tarrying even till midnight, yet he will come at the right time.”

Christ brings salvation to those who wait. In one sense, our redemption is already accomplished, but in another sense, its full realization lies in our future (v. 28). It is both “now” and “not yet.” “To bring salvation to those who are waiting for him” means to bring the fulfillment or results of salvation, its full accomplishment, the completion of God’s currently ongoing redemptive work in our lives (see Phil. 1:6).

Christ’s work of redemption required the offering of His blood. The blood of animal sacrifices had purified, though imperfectly. Christ offered Himself as the superior sacrifice needed to purify perfectly. He was in fact both sacrifice and priest, mediating between God and man (vv. 22–24; see 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 9:15). Unlike the previous inferior sacrifices, Jesus’ sacrifice needed to happen only once. It occurred “once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin” (vv. 25–26).

In Christ’s first advent, He bore our sins, rose victorious, and ascended to the Father. In His Second Coming, He will bring the fullness of salvation. These are two sides of the same coin, and they are as certain as death and judgment (vv. 27–28). For “so great a salvation” (Heb. 2:3) we can indeed wait in hope and faith!

APPLY THE WORD

Have you joined the fellowship of “those who are waiting” (v. 28)? Have you trusted in Christ for salvation? He died so we wouldn’t have to pay the penalty for sin. He rose again so we can receive His gift of eternal life. We have a choice: Wait for death and judgment, or wait for life, love, and eternity with the Lord. Choose Him today!

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Psalm 37:1–9

In a sermon titled “The Beauty of Biblical Justice,” pastor and author Tim Keller said: “In the West, when we think of justice, we think of individual rights. . . . Biblical justice has a different trajectory. Biblical justice means interwovenness, interdependence, bringing individuals to see that our stuff isn’t just ours. . . . [Justice] means taking the threads of your life—your emotions, your time, your body, your physical presence, your money—and plunging them into the lives of other people.”

To wait for God’s justice, then, is not primarily about punishment or even fairness. To wait for justice is to wait for shalom, a state of peace, blessedness, and wellbeing in which God is obeyed and worshiped. That day will come when sin and death are finally and fully vanquished.

Psalm 37 describes what waiting for justice feels like in everyday life. We are not to worry or become angry when it seems like sinners are rewarded for their wrong choices and actions. Instead, we are to be still and wait patiently for the Lord, because His justice is certain (v. 7; Isa. 30:18).

We shouldn’t fret over the apparent success of evil; it’s not real and won’t last (vv. 1–2). Instead, we should draw close to God and do as He leads. “He will give you the desires of your heart” because then your heart is in the right place (v. 4). To trust Him is to choose wisely, to see through the fraud of temptations to the truth of righteous obedience.

Those who do so will be vindicated and rewarded for their patience! As for people who choose and act otherwise, they will be destroyed. Only those who hope in the Lord “will inherit the land” (vv. 8–9).

APPLY THE WORD

Both fretting over the “success” of the wicked and worrying about everyday needs show a lack of faith (see Matt. 6:25–34). Instead of anxiety, we have the privilege of taking these needs to God in prayer (Phil. 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7). When you are tempted to complain or worry, take that as a cue to pray for faith to wait on the Lord.

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Zephaniah 3:1–8

The expression “Wait for it!” can be used to build suspense before a verbal climax. One expects that what is said next will be surprising, humorous, or unexpectedly significant. According to one source, its increased “colloquial usage as a dramatic interjection” can be attributed to its frequent appearances in the popular American TV show How I Met Your Mother.

To those who think they have escaped divine justice, God says, “Wait for it!” Whereas in yesterday’s reading the purpose of waiting was to experience God’s deliverance, in today’s reading the purpose of waiting is to see His just wrath against sin and evil. The poetic and prophetic books of Scripture resound with cries for this: “Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease”? (Jer. 12:1).

The context for Zephaniah 3 is Judah’s sinfulness and unwillingness to repent. The nation was being chronically rebellious, disobedient, and prideful (vv. 1–2). Leaders exploited others, prophets lied, and priests profaned worship (vv. 3–4). God, who is perfectly righteous, had been more than patient, waiting for the nation to accept correction. The fact that He hadn’t punished them yet did not mean they had gotten away with their wickedness, as they seemed to think. They should have already known this from His past judgments on other nations (vv. 5–7).

When God said, “Wait for me,” then, it was a severe and perhaps sarcastic warning (v. 8). They didn’t think He was actually coming. They didn’t want Him to show up and “testify” about their evil deeds. They disregarded and disrespected His righteous wrath and judgment. But His arrival and His justice are as certain for judgment as they are for the salvation of the faithful remnant who waits in hope (see vv. 9–20).

APPLY THE WORD

Can we really give “shouts of joy” when the wicked perish (Prov. 11:10)? That doesn’t seem very “nice.” But the answer is yes, if our desire is for God’s plan to be accomplished and His name to be honored. If, however, our feelings are fueled by hatred or revenge, that is not godly waiting. For a vital lesson on this topic, read Jonah 4.

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Micah 7:1–7

Struck blind by an unknown disease in the middle of his career, English poet John Milton wondered in a famous sonnet what God expected him to do. Were his literary and other talents now “useless”? “Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?” In the poem, Patience answered, reminding him that God does not need our work: “They also serve who only stand and wait.”

Biblically, waiting is not just waiting for God to do something—it is waiting for God Himself. In other words, our hope is founded upon the character of God. This kind of hope is not tentative but guaranteed. Godly waiting is therefore accompanied by a joyful anticipation and strong faith that He is on the way: “In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly” (Ps. 5:3).

Waiting on the Lord is part of our overall relationship with Him. It is an orientation toward God—an attitude of the heart, mind, and will. We’ll explore different elements of this relationship, orientation, or attitude in the next five days in order to see a definition of biblical waiting.

Today’s reading reveals hope as a key ingredient in spiritual waiting. Micah’s lament for Israel mourns that pretty much everything that could go wrong had gone wrong. Harvests failed (v. 1), people acted in hurtful and violent ways (v. 2), and corruption and exploitation were rampant (vv. 3–4). Relationships were broken at every level, including community, friendship, even marriage and family (vv. 5–6). The only bright side was God Himself—but He is enough!

Waiting on the Lord doesn’t mean a “wait and see” attitude, nor is it mere human optimism. Instead, Micah watched in hope. He waited for the God he knew would be a Savior. And he boldly asserted, “My God will hear me” (v. 7).

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Waiting might not be easy, but Scripture promises that God is present even in our waiting and He will strengthen us to hope and to trust. Keep this verse nearby as a reminder: “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isa. 40:31).

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John 6:25–71

Author Flannery O’Connor wrote stories set in the South about odd characters facing spiritual choices. “I think there is no suffering greater than what is caused by the doubts of those who want to believe,” she said. Today’s passage appears to be a disagreement about bread, but it is really about the difficult choice between belief and disbelief.

To both His disciples and to the crowd in the synagogue, Jesus claimed to be the living “bread that came down from heaven” (v. 58). This conversation clearly reveals the confused state of mind of His followers. First, they were looking for a direct solution to their physical needs. They wanted Him to be the bread that satisfied their physical cravings. Notice how they compared him to manna (v. 31). They even phrased it as a demand: “Always give us this bread” (v. 34).

They did not understand that Jesus Himself was the only bread that would satisfy their deepest spiritual longings. They wanted Jesus for what He could give them—physical healing, miraculous provisions, or political freedom. They saw a man whose parents they knew, and they resisted His claim of divinity (v. 42).

Jesus redirected the conversation to His identity as the Son of God. He referred back to the Scriptures and attempted to explain to them that He is the “bread of life” (v. 48). But even after several lengthy explanations, they continued to misunderstand His message: “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” (v. 52).

The religious skeptics were not the only ones confused. Even His disciples struggled to believe. In fact, many turned away from Jesus and quit following at this point. This was the fork in the road, the dividing point. Would they believe or would they walk away?

APPLY THE WORD

Each of us comes to a crossroads where we must either choose to believe or walk away. What is your choice? Do you believe that Jesus is indeed the Son of God, the bread of life? Do you trust His claims rather than demand that He conform to your own expectations? Through Jesus we can find life, but only if we follow Him.

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John 6:1–24

In an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest sit-down meal served, the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority in Washington, D.C., prepared a banquet for 16,206 guests. Two thousand employees served three tons of beef, 1.5 tons of mashed potatoes, and 40,000 pounds of bagged ice.

Today’s passage details an amazing meal when Jesus used small means to feed many people. Following intensive days of teaching and healing, He retreated for a private moment, but again He was followed by a “great crowd” (v. 5). People had heard about the wonders and teachings of this extraordinary man. They were searching for Jesus.

Seeing the crowds, Jesus asked Philip how they would feed them. Philip’s response was practical. Feeding a crowd of 5,000 men (plus women and children) would be no simple task. It would require “more than half a year’s wages” (v. 7). Andrew volunteered supplies—two small fish and five loaves of barley bread. What seemed like scarcity became abundance in the hands of Jesus. We are not told how this multiplication happened, only that everyone was fed, with plenty to spare. The miracle astounded everyone. “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world” (v. 14).

Jesus withdrew from the crowd, but again He defied the limitations of nature when He walked on the water (v. 19). He was far more than an extraordinary person—the disciples were witnessing God Himself.

The theme of this month’s study was taken from verse 24: the crowd headed to Capernaum “in search of Jesus.” Plenty of people were searching for Jesus. Would they discover the Jesus they thought they wanted, or would they recognize Him as the Son of God?

APPLY THE WORD

When facing obstacles, are you like Philip, seeing only the practical limitations? Or are you like Andrew, trusting that God can transform meager resources into abundant blessing? Do you trust your abilities or God’s plans? Ask God to amaze you with His ability not only to meet your needs but also to surpass your expectations.

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JOHN 3:1-21

Charles Spurgeon once said, “Being born again is a matter so mysterious, that human words cannot describe it.” He continues to explain this divine act: “Being born in a Christian land and being recognized as professing the Christian religion is of no avail whatever.”

Today’s passage focuses on a Pharisee by the name of Nicodemus, who came in search of Jesus. The Pharisees were a respected religious group within Judaism. Nicodemus would have kept the law and been deeply familiar with Scripture. Although he approached Jesus under the cover of night, he also spoke with a measure of respect, calling Him “Rabbi” (v. 2).

Nicodemus admitted that anyone who performed the miracles Jesus did must surely be from God. Nicodemus was not against Jesus, but neither did he fully understand that this was the Son of God. When Jesus began to speak to Nicodemus of spiritual things, the Pharisee was confused. He asked, “How can someone be born again when they are old?” (v. 4).

This concept of being born again was unfamiliar to Nicodemus. This respected religious teacher could not understand spiritual things: “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light” (v. 19). Nicodemus, for all his good works and religious knowledge, was still walking in darkness.

John 3:16 is often quoted to explain salvation, and Jesus clearly states what it means to be born again: belief in the Son of God. Trusting in the person and work of Jesus brings eternal life. This salvation was freely offered to Nicodemus and to each of us as well. God has miraculously made a way for us to be born again.

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Being born again means more than saying that Christianity is a good idea; rather, it is accepting that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for your sins and was resurrected from the dead. This is the only way to have eternal life with God. If you haven’t trusted Christ, make today your spiritual birthday!

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John 2

Magicians draw crowds when they pull a rabbit out of a hat or a gold coin from behind someone’s ear. But even though they appear to do the impossible, we know there is a trick behind their illusions. The magic depends on shifting the attention of the audience to disguise ordinary actions that create the appearance of the impossible.

When Jesus turned water into wine, however, He was not just creating an illusion. He was indeed doing the impossible. At weddings, the best wine was traditionally presented first, so guests could fully appreciate its flavor. The cheaper wine would be presented later when it could pass unnoticed.

While Jesus was attending a wedding, the hosts ran out of wine, which would have been a deep embarrassment and social faux pas. Jesus’ mother, Mary, turned to Him for help (v. 3). At first, Jesus resisted, saying it was not the time to perform miracles before the public. But then He relented and asked servants to fill the stone jars with water. With that simple command, He produced the very best wine (v. 10).

Why did Jesus wait to perform the miracle? The following verses give us some insight. After the wedding, Jesus cleared the moneychangers from the temple. When asked about His authority to take such action, Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days” (v. 19). People misunderstood, thinking that it was a boast about a miraculous building project. Many saw His miracles and believed. “But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people” (v. 24). He knew that some were able to see miracles but were not yet able to understand the identity of the One behind them, the Son of God. Only some would realize His true nature.

APPLY THE WORD

When you communicate God’s message to others, they may not be ready to hear it. We must present the good news of Jesus Christ faithfully, but we cannot carry the burden of their understanding. We must trust the Holy Spirit to work, preparing them to hear and understand. Pray for your friends and loved ones today that God will open their ears.

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JOHN 1:19-51

Children are usually taught that Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. But did he? In fact, many inventors worked on various types of lamps, including Englishman Humphrey Davy who illuminated a home in 1806. Davy produced a lamp by creating spark between two charcoal rods. Who was the true inventor?

In today’s passage we see confusion over the identity and authority of Jesus and John the Baptist. Who is the true Messiah? John the Baptist was attracting the attention of both the public and the religious leaders, who sent a committee to investigate who he really was. John was ready with a clear answer: “I am not the Messiah” (v. 20).

But if John was not the Messiah, then who was he? John answered his interlocutors, explaining both who he was and why he was sent. Like the prophets, John had been given a message from God to His people: “Make straight the way for the Lord” (v. 23; see Isa. 40:3). John made it perfectly clear that he was not the main attraction but rather the one who was announcing that the Messiah was soon to arrive.

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Read PSALM 67

One New Year’s Eve tradition in Spain is to eat twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight. That’s one grape for each stroke of the clock and one for each of the months of the year ahead. It is said that if you can eat them in the first twelve seconds, you’ll enjoy good luck throughout the year!

Believers in God look not for luck but for His blessing, often conveyed in the picture of His face shining upon us (v. 1). This was, in fact, the standard Old Testament blessing: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Num. 6:24–26). It was also the prayer of the psalmist: “Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love” (Ps. 31:16).

Psalm 67 teaches us to think anew about the concept of blessing. Our natural instinct is to focus on ourselves and material blessings. God is, after all, the “Father of the heavenly lights” and giver of all good gifts (James 1:17). But in this psalm, only verse 6 speaks in those terms. Even then, the blessing is the harvest, basically meaning the provision of daily bread.

Instead, God’s blessing is invoked in two other ways. First, His ways will be known throughout the world and His “salvation among all nations” (v. 2). The purpose of His blessing in our lives is so that His name, love, and redemption will be known and glorified everywhere.

Second, the Lord will be universally praised and worshiped, as ought to be the case (vv. 3–5, 7; Phil. 2:10–11). His authority, justice, and wisdom at work in the world is more than enough reason for gladness, rejoicing, and worship.

APPLY THE WORD

This entire psalm is a prayer for God’s name and salvation to be known and glorified throughout all the earth, and for our great King to be universally praised and worshiped. For His face to shine upon us means that we will be part of making this happen! This is a great reason to pray Psalm 67 as part of your daily prayer time today.

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Read MATTHEW 6:19-24

Eyes have more than two million working parts. They involve about half the brain in the act of seeing. They are the second most complex organ (after the brain). Eye muscles are the most active in the entire body, as well as the strongest (relative to their size). Specific types of cells enable us to see shapes and colors. And while a fingerprint has 40 unique characteristics, an iris has 256.

Today’s passage begins with the idea of storing up treasure in heaven (vv. 19–21). Earthly treasures are at risk of decay and theft. Heavenly treasures are eternal and cannot be lost or destroyed. We should prioritize and prize the heavenly ones, seeking after them rather than pursuing earthly goods. Good deeds and acts of obedience can make us “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21).

This truth about heavenly treasure can only be seen with clear spiritual eyes or understanding. “Healthy” and “unhealthy” eyes are analogous to “generosity” and “stinginess.”

Just as physical eyes let in the light by which we see material reality, only clear spiritual eyes can see the folly of riches. Just as a blind person lives in the dark physically, so coveting or trusting in wealth is living in the dark spiritually. Just as seeing affects everything else, our attitude to money ripples into many other areas of life: “If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (vv. 22–23).

This one point is crucially important. “No one can serve two masters” or have divided loyalties (v. 24). God and money are mutually exclusive in this sense. We live in the most affluent society in history, so we should take this warning to heart!

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Putting our hope in earthly riches is futile (see Eccl. 5:8–17; Luke 12:13–21). Wealth can be a strong temptation against faith in God (Matt. 19:24). It can also easily lead to greed, pride, abuse of power, and other sins. What is our attitude toward money and finances? Do we see it as an area of stewardship under the Lordship of Christ?

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1 JOHN 1:5-10

An eighth-century Christian named Alcuin of York prayed: “Almighty and merciful God, the fountain of all goodness, who knows the thoughts of our hearts, we confess that we have sinned against you, and done what you see as evil. Wash us, we implore you, from the stains of our past sins, and give us grace and power to put away all hurtful things so that, being delivered from the bondage of sin, we may produce the good fruits of repentance.”

Today’s passage frames repentance in terms of three key truths. First, a foundational truth: “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (v. 5; see 1 Tim. 6:16). What does this mean? He is holy; in Him there is no evil at all. He is truth; in Him there is no falsehood at all. He is perfect; in Him there is no flaw of any kind.

Second, an applied truth: We must walk in the light (vv. 6–7). Our lives are the evidence of our faith. If we claim to have a relationship with God but do not choose holiness and truth, we prove ourselves liars. Being God’s children means we need and want to be where He is and where fellow believers are. If we claim to have a relationship with God, it will also be seen in our unity and fellowship with one another.

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REVELATION 1:9-18

Charles Wesley wrote “Morning Hymn”: “Christ, whose glory fills the skies, / Christ, the true, the only light, / Sun of Righteousness, arise, / Triumph o’er the shades of night: / Day-spring from on high, be near: / Day-star, in my heart appear. . . . Visit then this soul of mine, / Pierce the gloom of sin, and grief, / Fill me, Radiancy Divine, / Scatter all my unbelief, / More and more thyself display, / Shining to the perfect day.”

The light and glory of God the Father is displayed as well by God the Son! Today’s reading from Revelation contains echoes from the prophet Ezekiel’s vision that we saw yesterday. We have explored light in the Bible as it relates to the Father; next, we’ll consider passages about light relating to the Son.

The island of Patmos was a Roman penal colony, about 50 miles southwest of Ephesus. John was in exile there, but as with the Jewish exiles in Ezekiel’s day, God remained very present. One Sunday, the Holy Spirit gave John a vision of the risen and exalted Christ.

Light is a key metaphor and visual feature in the description (vv. 12–16). There are seven lampstands and seven stars, representing seven churches and their angels. Christ’s hair is white like snow, indicating wisdom and dignity. His eyes are like blazing fire, meaning He sees all. His feet are like glowing bronze, representing strength. His “face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance” (v. 16), signifying not only glory and power but also love and favor (see Num. 6:24–26).

In the vision’s climax, Christ announced His identity as the Living One, the Alpha and the Omega, and the conqueror of death and hell (vv. 17–18).

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Did you know that Christ has over 300 names or titles in Scripture? Two good books on this topic are Names of Christ, by T. C. Horton and Charles E. Hurlburt, and Names of Jesus, by A. B. Simpson (from a classic nineteenth-century sermon series). Both are available from Moody Publishers and can be found online or at your Christian bookstore.

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LUKE 1:67-79

Christian musicians have been singing of the light of God throughout the church’s history. Last year, Josh Garrels released a Christmas album titled The Light Came Down. The title track celebrates: “The light came down / Cast the darkness away / He appeared / A helpless child / The light of God came down / There is a light / A new day dawning / Old things pass / All things made new.”

The Incarnation of Christ is the dawning light of history! Without Him, humanity has no hope.

This is what Zechariah realized and prophesied in his song of praise following the birth of his son, John the Baptist. The climactic verses of this prophecy are given in terms of light and darkness: “Because of the tender mercy of our God . . . the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace” (vv. 78–79).

This is all about God’s plan of redemption (v. 68). The “rising sun” is the “horn of salvation” from the line of David (v. 69), the Messiah, Jesus Christ, for whom John the Baptist will prepare the way (v. 76). Sent by God the Father, God the Son will come in order to “give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins” (v. 77). Only then can we have peace with God.

Zechariah spoke as part of a great tradition. Isaiah and Malachi were among those who had looked forward to this day: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isa. 9:2). “The sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays” (Mal. 4:2).

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Without the light of Christ, we would remain eternally lost in spiritual darkness. Because of our sins we stand condemned, but by trusting in His name we can receive God’s gift of life and salvation. Have you believed on the name of Jesus and stepped into the light? If not, take this important step today!

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Read 2 SAMUEL 22:26-37

Writing in The Pursuit of God, A. W. Tozer said: “On our part there must be surrender to the Spirit of God, for His work it is to show us the Father and the Son. If we co-operate with Him in loving obedience God will manifest Himself to us, and that manifestation will be the difference between a nominal Christian life and a life radiant with the light of His face.”

The “light of God’s face” is one way of speaking about His favor or blessing. Today’s passage is a powerful reminder that the Lord is on the side of His people! This psalm of praise dates from late in King David’s life and is also recorded in Psalm 18. Reflecting on his life, the king rejoiced in God’s loving faithfulness to him.

Specifically, David exulted that God was his “lamp” (vv. 29–30), meaning that God was his ongoing source of knowledge, wisdom, hope, and blessing. Against all odds, the Lord can turn “darkness into light” or make it possible for a single warrior to “advance against a troop.” As David wrote elsewhere, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?” (Ps. 27:1).

The rest of this passage also focuses on God’s character. He is faithful, blameless, pure, and perfect. He loves to save the humble and humble the proud. When the wicked think they are devious enough to outsmart Him, He proves no one can. His Word is flawless. He is our shield, protector, and Rock. As needed, He provides strength, stability, confidence, security, and success. He paves “a broad path for my feet” (v. 37), the righteous, obedient path where we find His guidance and protection.

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Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2 and David’s here form narrative “bookends” for the historical books of 1 and 2 Samuel. Read both passages and notice the similar theological points and key themes. In what ways do these prayers help us understand and interpret all the history in between? How can they shape your own prayers?

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Read 1 CHRONICLES 28

Dietrich Bonhoeffer observed, “We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God. God will be constantly crossing our paths and canceling our plans.” This was the lesson that David learned when he initially had it in mind to build a temple for God.

If you have been paying attention, you probably noticed that this is the third time this story has been told. The first was in 1 Chronicles 17, which described David’s experience. The second occurrence is 1 Chronicles 22, where David recounts these events to his son Solomon. In today’s passage, David tells the story to “all the officials of Israel . . . the officers over the tribes, the commanders of the divisions in the service of the king, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of all the property and livestock belonging to the king and his sons, together with the palace officials, the warriors and all the brave fighting men” (v. 1).

Since this is a story about how David misread God’s intent, you might think that the author would want to keep it under wraps. Why let everyone know that David was wrong? But there is much more to this story than David’s mistaken idea. Ultimately it is a story about God’s faithfulness. The Lord set aside David’s plan because He had a better plan of His own.

The reason David’s story is repeated in 1 Chronicles is not to highlight the king’s mistake but to underscore God’s promise and Solomon’s responsibility. The Chronicler does this to remind the returned exiles of their obligation to God. The covenant made with David included a condition that Solomon did not meet (vv. 7–9). The return of God’s people to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple were evidence of God’s grace.

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This account of David’s charge to his son Solomon was more than a glance back at a greater time. It was a reminder of God’s enabling power. Does your church look back to a golden age when things seemed to be better? Instead of seeing it as a record of what you have lost, try to view it as measure of what God can do today.

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Read 1 CHRONICLES 26:28-27:34

In a sermon preached at New Covenant Baptist Church in Chicago in 1967, Martin Luther King Jr. urged: “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.’”

Every functioning community requires administration. Our text today provides us with a list of many of the officials who assisted David. Some were legal functionaries whose responsibility was to judge cases from the Law of Moses and who probably served outside Jerusalem (26:28–29). Others were made responsible for “every matter pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king” (26:32). They might have been responsible for the collection of tithes and taxes. David’s administrative structure included military commanders, tribal leaders, those who oversaw his properties and storehouses, as well as counselors. David’s leadership was a spiritual matter, but it also had a civil dimension. Part of his shepherding responsibility was to tend to the government of his people.

Scripture teaches that civil government is a reflection of common grace. Civil government serves the common good. One of its benefits is protection. But this kind of administration comes with a cost. This is why paying our taxes is a Christian obligation. For this reason Paul admonishes us: “Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor” (Rom. 13:7).

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In addition to paying taxes, you should also pray for our leaders: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Tim. 2:1–2). Remember them in your prayers today.

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Read 1 CHRONICLES 21

Many banks and investment companies have a feature on their websites that provide a 360-degree snapshot of all your assets and liabilities. Subtract your liabilities from your assets and the resulting figure is your net worth.

David’s census of Israel seems to have had a similar intent. This was probably David’s attempt to calculate all the military resources at his disposal (v. 3). A census was not absolutely forbidden in Scripture. The Law of Moses prescribed that a ransom be paid to the Lord for each person counted (Ex. 30:12). The nature of David’s sin in this instance is not entirely clear. Did he count the people without collecting the required ransom? Or was it something else?

Certainly spiritual forces were in play as well. According to verse 1, Satan was the one who incited David to take this action. Interestingly, the account of this incident in 2 Samuel 24:1 says that the Lord was angry with Israel and “incited David against them.” God and Satan had different agendas. Satan’s intent was destruction. God’s aim was divine discipline.

As a result of his rash action, David was asked to make a terrible choice, and his decision led to a plague in which seventy thousand men died (vv. 12–14). If it had not been for God’s own merciful intervention, the plague would have destroyed Jerusalem.

The sight of the angel of the Lord positioned between heaven and earth, with a drawn sword extended over Jerusalem, prompted David to intercede for Israel and the plague was halted (v. 16). In a mysterious conjunction of judgment and mercy, the spot where the destroying angel ceased his terrible work also became the location of the temple David’s son Solomon would build.

APPLY THE WORD

Having been forgiven through Christ we are “being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit” (Eph. 2:22). You may be living with the consequences of your own sinful choices or those of someone else. Consecrate those circumstances to God. He will build upon the ruins.

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